Just Dance and Feel Happy!
While I dance I can not judge, I can not hate, I can not separate myself from life. I can only be joyful and whole. This is why I dance. - Hans Bos
Dancing demands a lot of energy output because it involves movement in all directions - you start, stop, and change directions continuously! A plethora of dance styles exist and you can dance individually, in a line of people, paired, or in a group.
Psychological Benefits of Dance
Anxiety Reduction:
Dancing is an effective experiential activity for those who suffer from social anxiety, fear of public speaking, etc. The idea: if you can relax enough to break it down and dance in front of and/or with strangers, you’re a lot less likely to feel self-conscious when hanging out or speaking in front of an audience. Dancing reduces tension and curbs anxiety, according to research dating back to the 1980s.
Social Bonding:
Dancing encourages social bonding and what psychologists call “self-other merging.” Just as you might experience the surprising relatability with a stranger upon finding out you both attended the same school or grew up in the same town, dancing in rhythm with others lights up brain pathways that obscure the barriers your mind constructs between yourself and a stranger, and supports you to feel a sense of connection and sameness.
Touch:
Dancing with a partner invites some special perks of touch. Touch is the first sense that emerges during infancy, and the more experts examine the benefits of massage, holding hands and other forms of human-to-human physical contact, the more they find that touching improves well-being and reduces stress and anxiety. Dance is a great way to increase endorphins through movement and hug someone at the same time!
If touch is yours and/or your partner’s top love language, then dancing together may be a great way to enhance your relationship!
Where To Dance?
I've compiled a list of some local spots to get your groove on:
- Cana - Cuban Parlor and Cafe: They frequently offer live bands and salsa dancing on Sundays.
- Hipline: They provide an array of dance classes tailored to be fun and approachable for dancers of all levels.
- Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center: They offer dance performances and a diverse genre of dance classes (belly dance, soul santuary dance family: family-friendly freestyle, swing, tango, etc.).
- Jack London Square Dancing Under the Stars: Each Friday night during the summer, Jack London Square will host a different dance theme including the Cha Cha, Rumba, Salsa and Swing Time Swing. The festive, free dance lessons are brought to you by Professional Dance Instructor Bradley Montoya.
Written by Nicole Byrne, LMFT